COVID-19 News Round-up for March 31st

Budget & Stimulus News 
Trump Signs $2T Stimulus Package 
President Donald Trump signed a $2T economic stimulus package just hours after it was rushed through the House Friday, clearing the way for aid to businesses, increased benefits for workers and direct payments to taxpayers. The bipartisan CARES Act passed the House on a voice vote, over the objections of some members, would also include funding for research and medical equipment to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. (Source: Cronkite News) 
ABC Issues CARES Act Thanks 
Associated Builders and Contractors VP of Legislative and Political Affairs Kristen Swearingen issued a statement about the signing of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, which provides federal funding and programs to address the ongoing coronavirus crisis: “ABC and our members appreciate the urgency of this ongoing health crisis and applaud the hard work and swift action of President Trump, White House officials and members of the House and Senate to protect the health and economic security of our nation…” (Source: Associated Builders and Contractors) 
McSally Explains How Aid Plan Benefits Area 
Arizona Sen. Martha McSally said the stimulus bill has specific provisions meant to help small businesses, employees, local and tribal governments and ag workers. “This is an unprecedented bill, and we worked on it around the clock to make sure it covers everyone affected by this pandemic,” the Republican lawmaker said about the $2T bill that passed the House and received the president’s signature on Friday. (Source: Yuma Sun) 
CARES Act Transit Relief 
Transit-related relief measures in the CARES Act include an estimated $22.9B apportionment for FTA’s Section 5307 Program and a $2.1B apportionment to states and tribal nations along the lines of the FTA’s Section 5311 Program, totaling $25B in relief for urban and rural public transit systems’ impacts. (Source: Arizona Transit Association) 
Ducey Signs Unemployment Benefits Extension  
Governor Doug Ducey signed S.B. 1694, legislation to expand access to unemployment benefits for Arizonans affected by COVID-19 by waiving certain Arizona Department of Economic Security eligibility requirements. The legislation, which was sponsored by Senate President Karen Fann and House Speaker Rusty Bowers, passed the Arizona Legislature on March 23rd with unanimous support. (Source: Office of the Governor) 
Economic News 
Ducey Issues ‘Stay-at-Home’ Order 
Governor Doug Ducey on Monday issued a statewide “stay-at-home” order to stop the spread of new coronavirus, barring Arizonans from leaving their residences except for food, medicine and other essentials. The order will take effect at close of business today and will apply through at least April 30. (Source: The Arizona Republic) 
Layoffs Stagger Ariz. Economy 
Arizona is ramping up its unemployment insurance operations as it sees an unprecedented flood of new claims as the coronavirus staggers industries that are key to the state’s economy. The state saw nearly 30,000 new filings last week, a 760 percent increase from the week before. It is expected to see an exponential increase in filings for the current week as industries that cater to tourists and the public cut huge numbers of staff. (Source: Independent Newsmedia) 
Freeport-McMoran Cutting Costs 
Mining giant Freeport-McMorRan Inc. announced measures to cut costs in response to global economic uncertainties brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic and a resulting plunge in copper prices. For starters, the company’s board of directors will suspend its quarterly cash dividend payments of 5 cents per share, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. (Source: Phoenix Business Journal) 
Resources 
8 Things Multifamily Firms Can Do Now 
To assist companies in their efforts, the National Multifamily Housing Council has compiled a list of suggested apartment owner preparations and ongoing considerations. (Source: Multifamily Executive) 
Ducey Announces Arizona Together Launch 
Governor Ducey announced the launch of Arizona Together, an initiative connecting individuals and businesses to resources, raising money for community organizations and providing information on volunteer opportunities. (Source: Arizona Commerce Authority and ArizonaTogether.org) 
AASBO Discussion Group 
Arizona ASBO has launched the AASBO Engage COVID19 discussion group to facilitate members’ sharing COVID-19-related information, questions and answers. (Source: Arizona ASBO) 
AASBO Auditor General Procurement Guidelines 
The Office of the Auditor General has issued a guidance statement regarding procurement during school closures. You can view it on their website. (Source: Arizona ASBO)  
Corps of Engineers Creates Capability Statements Inbox 
USACE HQ has set up an inbox for contractors to submit their capabilities to be seen by all USACE Districts nationwide. If you wish to be considered for missions, please send your capabilities statements to perform “build-out or retrofit of existing space (arenas, convention centers, dorms, hotels, etc.) into alternate care space” to: COVIDContracting@usace.army.mil. (Source: Society of American Military Engineers)  
Valley Partnership Updates Resource List 
Valley Partnership has updated its Coronavirus Resources for Arizona Businesses Page. Check back frequently for the latest news and information. (Source: Valley Partnership)